City’s summer park program budget could go unused
Butler City Council had budgeted about $15,000 to fund summer park programming, but that money may go unused because of a last-minute change.
The city donated about $8,000 to the Grace Youth and Family Foundation last year to run a park program at Rotary Park, Institute Hill Playground and Father Marinaro Park, which included meals for the children. The closing of the foundation in May, after charges were filed against its founder, Bill Halle, put an end to that partnership, however.
Butler City Councilman Dan Herr, who is the director of parks, recreation and public property, said it was not feasible to find and fund a replacement organization between the closing of the foundation and the start of summer programming.
“It was a disappointment that we couldn't get something together for the summer,” Herr said. “There are a few things I am trying to incorporate this year, but I haven't gotten any specific plans.”
According to Herr, the money the city budgeted for the program this year will just go back into the general fund if it isn’t used by the end of the summer. He said one reason the city didn’t fund a new partner this summer is because the previous program included several city parks. Additionally, an organization would likely have to fund part of that expansion on its own.
“What council was looking at was they wanted the programs to be at several parks,” Herr said. “(Last year’s) was all within walking distance of a particular neighborhood. What we would like to do is have it so it benefits multiple neighborhoods.”
Herr said he had talks with administrators of Breakthrough Butler to potentially fund its Camp Breakthrough this summer, but the time period was too tight.
Nick Yannotty, founder of Breakthrough Butler, said the camp, which is for children in kindergarten through seventh grade, saw some growth in attendance this summer.
He also said partnering with the city could afford the organization some improvements to its camp.
“It was too short notice, not enough timing. We didn't have the time to make this be what it could be,” Yannotty said. “We didn't want to short-change anyone, so we decided we’re going to meet back up in January, February and reassess and discuss it.”
Herr said he is disappointed that no organization has been able to fill the gap left by Grace Youth and Family Foundation this summer, because it provided food for children who attended. However, he said the city will likely keep summer park programming in its budget for next year.
“The YMCA took their camps up to Armco Park; I'm sad about that but that is their park,” Herr said. “Whether we go through Breakthrough Butler next year is to be determined.”
